The Honorable the Congress of the United States

The Memorial of the Captains and Subalterns, Officers of the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery—most respectfully sheweth

That in consequence of an Arrangement of the Artillery by General Knox, and a Letter from his Excellency General Washington, the Board of War has made out Commissions for two officers from other Artillery Regiments to fill up the vacancies late occasioned in ours by the Resignation of Colo. Thomas Proctor.

We complain the greatest Injustice is done us in the above Instance, which must appear by the following Resolves—vizt

"In Congress Sepr 16: 1776—Resolved; that the Appointment of all Officers & the filling up Vacancies (except General Officers) be left to the Government of the Several States.

Novr 24th 1778—Whereas it will be for the Benefit of the Service that some Rule of Promotion be established—therefor Resolved

That in all future Promotions, officers rise Regimentally to the Rank of Captains, and thence in the Line of the State to the Rank of Colonel.

October 3d 1780 Resolved, that the several States furnish the following Quotas—vizt Pennsylvania Six Regiments of Infantry, one of Artillery.

May 25th 1781—Resolved that Promotions in the Cavalry and Artillery be Regimental to the Rank of Commanding Officer inclusive.

Also the Confederation of the United States, Article 7th "When Land Forces are raised by any State for the Common Defence, all Officers of, or under the Rank of, Colonel shall be appointed by the Legislature of each State respectively by whom such Forces shall be raised or in such Manner as such State shall direct, and all Vacancies shall be filled up by the State which first make the appointment.

Article 9th Each State shall appoint the Regimental Officers.

Article 13th And the Articles of this Confederation shall be inviolably observed."

We therefore pray Congress to prevent the unjust Preferment of those Officers to the Vacancies in our Regiment and that the Promotions take place agreeable to the above Rules established by your Honble House. Signed at the request and in the Behalf of the Officers